NOW: The PGA has issued a harsh punishment to Rory McIlroy, officially disqualifying him.

NOW: The PGA has issued a harsh punishment to Rory McIlroy, officially disqualifying him.

Rory McIlroy talks about ending his 10-year U.S. Open drought

Four-time major champion Rory McIlroy is off to a strong start to his U.S. Open victory and heads into the weekend with hopes of finishing in fifth place.

Sir Nick Faldo has urged Rory McIlroy to be defensive this weekend as he looks to win his first major in 10 years at the U.S. Open. McIlroy performed well in difficult conditions over the first 36 holes to record his best first round result on Thursday. The Northern Irishman looked comfortable on Pinehurst’s second testing course, opening the week with a respectable five-under 65. It saw how the Northern Irishman took the share of the first day with his Ryder Patrick Kanlai rival cup. However, he could not count on his fast departure 24 hours later, after taking the 72nd 72 in the second round Friday. Despite his slower play in the second round, McIlroy remains healthy heading into the weekend and is looking to end a decade-long wait and become a fifth major champion. One player to surpass that record is six-time major champion Faldo, who offered McIlroy some advice before the tournament ended. “Rory just needs to find a way to slow down,” he told Sky Sports. “He’s got a great track record and a great mind but he knows it’s going to be a tough weekend. They just wanted to win on the downside, so here he is. It will be a survival game. Look at the other players. You won’t hear anyone yelling.

“Just don’t waste any shots. Birdies are really hard to get, so it’s all about defense and being smart. Just try not to make too many bogeys.” You have to look at the other players and say: “Look, I either have one name to beat or I’m good. I just need to relax and play and I know I’m that good.” »»

“He’s in great shape, he’s in great shape. When it’s on, it’s the best in the world. He just needs to keep doing that as long as he can.McIlroy was in the first wave on Friday, while his opponent on Thursday, Cantlay, was in the later stages of the second-round draw.